M. Nongrem unveils the bust of Rev. J.J.M. Nichols Roy in Shillong on Friday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Shillong, Sept. 11: A bust of the architect of autonomous district council Rev. J.J.M. Nichols Roy was unveiled today in front of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) here on the occasion of his 50th death anniversary.

A commemorative stamp was earlier released during Roy’s 125th birth anniversary on June 12.

The speakers at the function recalled the contribution of Roy, the father of the Sixth Schedule. He was also instrumental in the formation of the autonomous district councils.

The chief executive member of KHADC, M. Nongrem, who unveiled the bust, said the council was happy to commemorate the 50th death anniversary of a great leader like Rev. Nichols Roy in a befitting manner.

Former Union minister P.R. Kyndiah said Roy was a true nationalist.

He recalled Roy’s contribution towards the movement for a separate state for the people of Meghalaya and also towards a unique autonomous district council for the empowerment of the indigenous people of the Northeast.

Kyndiah said Roy had resisted attempts of the British to bring Khasi and Jaintia Hills under colonial rule.

The secretary of the KHADC, W. Syiemlieh, said Nichols had the conviction to do something good for the people of the Northeast, especially in terms of the preservation of culture and tradition of the tribal communities.

He also recalled that Roy, who was part of the Constitution-making body, was also a colleague of B.R. Ambedkar, the chairman of the Constituent Assembly.

He said the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru had even stayed a day with Roy at his Qualapatty residence in Shillong before finalising the Constitution.

The leader of the Opposition, Teinwell Dkhar, who is from Shella in East Khasi Hills, said Roy understood the problems faced by the people in the border areas, including Shella, as he was born there.

Former MP J.E. Tariang, recalling his association with Roy, said he had inspired him and many other leaders of the Northeast to work selflessly for the overall development of the people.

Rev. Roy, popularly known as Bah Joy, was born in Shella on June 12, 1884 and was the grandnephew of Khasi freedom fighter U. Tirot Sing.

Roy died in 1959.